Taman P. Ramlee along Jalan Genting Klang has been the ideal retirement spot until a few years ago.

The 50-year-old housing estate is now overcrowded with new condominium and apartment blocks. The latest addition is a 27-storey condominium project with about 450 units in Jalan Bunga Tanjong.

A resident, Sieh Kok Mui, and her neighbours are finding it difficult to drive out of their homes due to the traffic jam.

Residents from all the condominium blocks use the access road in Taman P. Ramlee to get into Jalan Pahang causing a gridlock every day.

“All the condominium residents are using our roads to escape the traffic along Jalan Genting Klang ever since they opened up the access road near Teratai Mewah,” said Sieh.

Her neighbours have resorted to parking across the road to make it easier for them to get out. Their latest worry is the traffic flow from the new condominium block that may use the side entrance in Jalan Bunga Tanjong as an exit during the morning rush hour.

Another resident Ng Hooi Lay, 54, said many units there had been converted into commercial lots. The residents are disappointed that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has allowed the units to be converted despite it being a residential area.

Ng’s neighbour Gan M.C., 43, said they could not leave their homes before 9am due to the gridlock.

The easy access to the neighbourhood has also attracted snatch thieves and burglars over the years.

Chong Sue May, 33, said her mother was robbed in front of the market.

“We used to be able to walk down to the market with ease but now walking anywhere has become dangerous,” said Chong.

Floods have also become a nightmare for residents. Retired Public Works Department officer A. Sivasubramaniam said there were two floods in a week last month.

Siva, who has been living there for almost 50 years, said they never faced such problems until Jalan Gombak was upgraded.

“The river is smaller than the drains and clogged with rubbish, not allowing water to flow smoothly,” he said.

The residents are puzzled that the authorities did not discuss any plans with them before approving projects.